From 1997 through August of 2008, I used only Palm based handheld organizers then the Visor Phone, Palm Treo 300, Treo 600, and Treo 755p. I purchased an iPhone in August of 2008 because the iPhone proved itself in its short year of existence to be a valuable product, added the ability to allow third party applications, and gained access to the faster cellular networks. With very few exceptions, I couldn’t be happier and haven’t missed my old Palm products.
I use my iPhone for many more functions than just the phone. So almost a year later, I took the following screen shot of the additional software I have added to the iPhone (some of it free, some of it purchased). I added 42 applications to my iPhone so far. Of these 42, I use maybe 8 of them regularly, and the rest sparingly.
After looking over this list, most of my apps are free ones. That could mean I’m either one cheap SOB or there are some excellent free applications out there. The answer is probably somewhere in the middle.
Here’s the breakdown:
| Function | Cost | Weight (ounces) |
|---|---|---|
Cell Phone | $50-150 | 3.7 |
Digital camera (compact) | $150-800 | 10 |
Mobile Internet & Email | $150-400 | 48 |
 | $60-450.00 | 8 |
Mobile GPS | $250-650 | 8 |
Voice recorder | $40-200 | 1.6 |
Fitness tracker | $50-250 | 1.5 |
MP3 Player | $50.00-300.00 | 1.6 |
Portable Video Player  | $60-200 | 24 |
Portable Games | $10-20 (per game) | 2.4 |
E-book Reader | $79-359 | 5.7 |
| Total | $949-$3779 | 90.6 ounces (5.6 pounds) |
| Feature | iPad | Chromebook/box |
|---|---|---|
| Yes | Yes | |
| Internet (search, Facebook, banking, news, games, etc) | Yes | Yes |
| Word Processing and Spreadsheets (compatible with Microsoft Office) | Yes | Yes |
| Digital Photography and Storage | Yes | Yes |
| Physical Keyboard | No (if needed, I recommend Logitech keyboards) | Yes |
| Touchscreen | Yes | Some models only |
| Yes - current best iPad compatible printer is this HP Wireless model | Yes - current best Chromebook compatible printer is this HP Wireless model |
[table “5” not found /]
What iPhone apps do you use and like? Any that you would recommend for me or other iPhone users?
Leave a comment below telling me which ones you like best or would recommend or just leave a comment about this article.
I.TV is a good (free) app for TV listings and movies. You can also add movies to your Netflix Queue and schedule recordings on your TiVo DVR. Fandango is another great free movie listing app.
Love the site! Keep up the great postings!
Good suggestions Jon. I think my wife has the ITV app. I have Dish Network and wish that they had a DVR app…bet that comes in handy! We use Fandango a lot on the desktop, need to check out the iPhone app. Thanks!
With iphone version 3.0, what site can I find these free applications you mention above? how do i load them?
They are all available in the iPhone app store either directly through your iPhone or iTunes on your computer.
i can say that the iPhone 3G has the best design and erconomics when it comes to 3G phones. ;
I know this is really dumb but I just got a Ipad for my Birthday and I was playing a game and somehow I got on the email part and can’t get off and go to the home part where you can go to everything else, I have punched the button on the end and nothing happens!! Now what do I do???
Rick, since this list is almost 4 1/2 years old, how about an updated list? I make this suggestion as a newbie iPhone user (but loads of Android experience). This might be a good call-in topic for your radio show as well, with callers telling their most useful apps. To get things started, one app I use that saves me money is GasBuddy.
Craig
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